Sliding barn door help

TrentonMaple · Aug 11, 2015

Hi

I'm in the process of building a 24x36 traditional timber framed post-and-beam barn. A local group that specializes in timber framing put up the frame and roof for me, and it's my job from here on out. I intended to put a sliding barn door on the front, but looking at the frame, there is only a header to attach the slider track to over the middle bay.

Is this going to work? Will just the center support the weight of the doors when they are slid out, opened? Or do I need to somehow craft a header to attach the entire length of track to, not just the center? I've attached a pic for reference.

MikeInEburg · Aug 11, 2015

You definitely need support for the entire length of sliding track. I cannot tell from photo - but maybe you could add a support mechanism that spans the two bays needed for the door. Or re-work the supports on one of the two side bays to allow a header or similar support. Good luck.

oosik · Aug 11, 2015

You might ask the group that built that fantastic looking barn - what they would recommend for headers on the second bay. That is a really fine looking structure.

Rustyiron · Aug 11, 2015

That's a pretty frame !!
I would guess that your not putting metal on that pretty bldg, and are going with vertical wood siding, you should be able to support the door track by adding a single 2X10 or so behind the siding. Your "brackets" or "gussets" to either side of your center door & corners, would be a good attaching point to at least get a bit of the weight onto the frame. Be sure to solidly attach this support to all the siding boards & maybe add 3 or 4 "jacks" down to the wall girt below. (again, on the inside) It looks like they have framed in for a window on either side of your center opening. Watch your clearances with/over any window trim. You may need to add a similar 2x6-8-10? to the outside, under the track depending on the window/trim.

hslogger · Aug 11, 2015

Rusty iron has the right idea. The real thing to remember is that those beams look super, but for hanging a heavy door, a wide header is better than a thick one. I mean a four by twelve is better than a four by six. When you talk to your timber framers tell them what you are going to make your door out of. Rough sawn? planed? tin? Plywood? They will line you out with the right stuff. Looks cool, man.